All aboard for Shields Ferry revival

An “iconic” North East ferry crossing is steering towards a brighter future.

Plans to build a new Shields Ferry landing at North Shields Fish Quay have taken a major step forward, with North East mayor Kim McGuinness recommending sign-off on the final £5.9 million in funding. 

The new site will replace the failing jetty at Smiths Dock, protecting the 750-year-old ferry service and improving links to South Shields town centre and attractions such as The Word and Customs House.

Officials say around 400,000 people use the ferry each year, with the new landing expected to grow that number while supporting wider regeneration of the Fish Quay area and improving travel and access to jobs on both sides of the river.

Design work is already underway, with construction due to start next year.

Mayor McGuinness said: “I said in my election campaign we would save the Shields Ferry and now we are close to agreeing a final funding package to bring it to the Fish Quay for the first time.

“Next week, we’ll discuss approving the remaining money needed to get a new landing built with work starting next year. 

“The old landing urgently needs to be replaced, so we’re pulling out all the stops to get this project delivered for local people.

“This is about more than just the ferry service people rely on to get to work – it helps create jobs in restaurants, shops and the fishing industry by linking the Fish Quay to South Shields for the first time, bringing in more visitors and fitting with our £18 million investment in a new college to revitalise South Shields town centre.

“The ferry is iconic – thousands of people use it every day and each year during the Great North Run weekend we get to see what an amazing link it truly is getting runners and spectators home safely. 

“We’re getting on with delivering major transformative change across our transport network and this is just one more example.”

Cathy Massarella, managing director of Nexus, added: “This funding announcement for the new Shields Ferry landing is hugely welcome and is great news for our customers and our workforce.

“This is a crucial project for the long-term sustainability of ferry operations on the Tyne and so supports the mayor’s vision for a world-class integrated transport network.

“The relocated landing will greatly improve the ferry experience for customers, improve connections to North Shields town centre and help businesses along the Fish Quay grow.”

The ferry landing is among several North East transport projects awaiting approval next week, with the mayor and North East Combined Authority cabinet also poised to formally approve £6.3 million to complete the Tyne Bridge restoration ahead of its centenary and £16 million to enhance local bus services.

A further investment will see seven electric vehicle charging sites replaced across the region.

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